Primal Tattoo'd jersey

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Verdict:

Reassuringly good jersey with a striking design for those turned off by team prints

Weight:

168g

Contact:

www.primaleurope.com

Primal Tattoo'd jersey

710Shaun Audane

The Primal Tattoo'd jersey is a good quality jersey for those who prefer to look a bit more individual on the bike.

Primal have been spicing up the classic race jersey since 1992 to cater for those of us turned off by replica team kit. Set against a backdrop of white, black and grey, their tattoo'd jersey combines an interesting medley of classic and contemporary prints from mermaids, anchors and 'death before dishonour' daggers to Chinese tigers and 90's 'tribal'/Celtic stuff.

Talking of traditional, we've the time honoured three rear pockets and half length zipper for tailored climate control, or just showing off your medallion Fabrio Para style.

Primal make much of their 'Pro sensor advanced moisture transfer' but essentially it's a plaited two-layer polyester. Fibres against the skin absorb sweat/wetness, while the second layer uses body heat to spirit it away, thus banishing odour and chill.

Another interesting feature is factor thirty-five sun protection, perfect for those balmy summer training camps, although exposed areas will still need lotion.

I've been wearing ours atop long sleeve nylon and merino wool base layers, remaining temperate and drying quickly, extending service through autumn. Things turn a little clammy given twenty minutes sustained effort but the materials quickly come on stream, retaining a consistently comfortable inner climate from then on. Dropping the zipper to half-mast accelerates this process and is easily performed single-handedly.

Sizing is pretty standard – I'm a large (European 5) in most tops and this graced my contours beautifully, aided in no small part by ergonomic panelling which is still merciful to those regions we'd wish were more Adonis like.

Bottom line, I liked the theme but there's a wealth of similarly eye catching/iconic designs to choose from including Pink Floyd's Prism album print, Motorhead's Ace of spades, Star trek and even Rosie the Riveter, if tattoos aren't your thing.

Verdict

Reassuringly good jersey with a striking design for those turned off by team prints.

road.cc test report

Make and model: Primal Tattoo'd jersey

Size tested: Medium

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

"SpeedPro Technical Fabric - high tech dual denier fabric creates a push/pull affect to force moisture away from the body and pull it to the face of the fabric allowing it to evaporate quickly keeping cooler, drier and more comfortable. Jersey is machine washable" --Long 19" YKK invisible front zipper-great for increasing ventilation on hot days

--Three rear pockets

--Elastic waist

--Jersey cut slightly longer in back for better coverage"

Rate the product for quality of construction:

8/10

Rate the product for performance:

7/10

Rate the product for durability:

7/10

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:

7/10

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:

7/10

Rate the product for value:

7/10

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Performance isn't markedly better than similarly priced competition but those turned off by team replica kit will appreciate the flattering cut, tactile fabrics and creative design.

Shaun Audane is a freelance writer/product tester with over twenty-eight years riding experience, the last twelve (120,000 miles) spent putting bikes and kit through their paces for a variety of publications. Previous generations of his family worked at manufacturing's sharp end, thus Shaun can weld, has a sound understanding of frame building practice and a preference for steel or titanium framesets.
Citing Richard Ballantine and an Au pair as his earliest cycling influences, he is presently writing a cycling book with particular focus upon women, families and disabled audiences (Having been a registered care manager and coached children at Herne Hill Velodrome in earlier careers)

1 comments

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MPMax[10 posts]5 years ago

0 likes

Not sure if I like the design but you have to appreciate the sublimation they've achieved here.

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